Riechmann, Wunderbar (side A)

Wolfgang Riechmann's 1978 LP was released at the same time as Michael Rother's Sterntaler and just after Ashra's New Age of Earth.  Both of those albums are often acknowledged as influential and ahead of their time—Wunderbar sounds perhaps more contemporary than either, but is often overlooked, perhaps because of Riechmann's limited output.  The drum machine programs sound great, and the layered guitar and synths are impressive, whether on faster, dancier tracks or moving at slower tempos.  "Abendlicht" is particularly ahead of its time—the submerged bass rhythm reminds me of Gas or Polmo Polpo.  The reissue is also impressive—the LP is on thick vinyl and is particularly well mastered, and the packaging looks great too.